Kesha Voices Support for NewJeans Amidst Contentious Label Dispute
A Seoul court’s recent ruling against K-pop group NewJeans in thier attempt to sever ties with their label, ADOR, has prompted an outpouring of support from fellow artist Kesha. The “TiK ToK” singer posted a message of solidarity on X, stating, “My heart is with you NewJeans,” accompanied by a red-heart emoji late Wednesday.
the legal battle stems from the dismissal of ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin in August 2024 and her subsequent departure from the company. NewJeans, comprised of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, sought to terminate their seven-year exclusive contract, arguing that Min’s firing constituted sufficient grounds for dissolution. However, the court disagreed, siding with ADOR.
In a statement relayed thru their legal counsel to the Korea Times, NewJeans expressed respect for the court’s decision but emphasized the irreparable damage to their relationship with the label. “It is indeed impossible to return to this company and continue normal entertainment activities in the current situation where the trust relationship with ADOR is completely shattered,” the group stated.
Kesha’s public show of support resonates deeply given her own protracted and highly publicized legal struggles. For nearly a decade, the artist was embroiled in a complex legal dispute with producer Dr. Luke, beginning in 2014 when she filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault and abuse. Dr. Luke afterward filed a countersuit for defamation. despite seeking release from her contract with Kemosabe Records, a judge initially ruled she was obligated to continue recording under the Sony Music imprint.
The case ignited a powerful social media movement, #FreeKesha, garnering support from prominent artists like Kelly Clarkson and Lady Gaga. Ultimately, Kesha and Dr. Luke reached a joint resolution in 2023, averting a defamation trial.
In a July interview with Monica Lewinsky, Kesha described the ordeal of being legally compelled to continue working with someone she was actively litigating against. “The recordings of my voice did not legally belong to me in the universe in perpetuity,” she explained. “To then be delivering music to someone that you’re in litigation with… they’re in control of the promotion, of the budgets, all of it, the release, everything. For years. For 10 years. That was the only way I’d get out of the deal [with Kemosabe] was if I delivered the music.” She characterized the situation as “the biggest head-f- of all time,” questioning how the legal system could allow such a dynamic to persist.
newjeans, introduced by Min Hee-Jin as ADOR’s inaugural girl group in July 2022, quickly ascended to international fame, achieving five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving the Group of the Year award at Billboard Women in music in March 2024. Prior to the legal challenges, the group even explored a rebrand as NJZ, debuting the song “Pit Stop” at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March, before ADOR contested the use of the new name.
Kesha’s recent album, Period, released on Independence Day, marks a new chapter in her career as an autonomous artist.Her vocal support for NewJeans suggests a recognition of the challenges fa
